2014 AFL Rosters And Scouting Reports

Arizona Fall League rosters and breakdowns. Text by J.J. Cooper, John Manuel and Josh Norris.

GLENDALE DESERT DOGS

Pitchers

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Chris Bassitt

CWS

R-R

6-5

210

2/22/89

Parker Bridwell

BAL

R-R

6-4

190

8/8/91

Zach Davies

BAL

R-R

6-0

150

2/7/93

Mychal Givens

BAL

R-R

6-0

207

5/13/90

Brooks Hall

MIL

R-R

6-5

230

6/26/90

Matt Magill

LAD

R-R

6-3

210

11/10/89

Joe Mantiply

DET

R-L

6-4

215

3/1/91

Francellis Montas

CWS

R-R

6-2

185

3/21/93

Jefferson Olacio

CWS

L-L

6-7

270

1/16/94

Robbie Ray

DET

L-L

6-2

195

10/1/91

Zac Reininger

DET

S-R

6-3

170

1/28/93

Blake Smith

LAD

L-R

6-2

225

12/9/87

Chad Smith

DET

R-R

6-3

215

10/2/89

Scott Snodgress

CWS

L-L

6-6

225

9/20/89

Michael Thomas

LAD

L-L

6-2

185

1/6/89

Ashur Tolliver

BAL

L-L

6-0

170

1/24/88

Drew VerHagen

DET

R-R

6-6

230

10/22/90

Tyler Wagner

MIL

R-R

6-3

195

1/24/91

Wei-Chung Wang

MIL

L-L

6-1

180

4/25/92

Catchers

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Mike Ohlman

BAL

R-R

6-5

215

12/14/90

Kevan Smith

CWS

R-R

6-4

230

6/28/88

*Shawn Zarraga

MIL

S-R

6-0

248

1/21/89

Infielders

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Tim Anderson

CWS

R-R

6-1

180

6/23/93

Jason Esposito

BAL

R-R

6-2

200

7/19/90

Hector Gomez

MIL

R-R

6-3

200

3/5/88

Nick Ramirez

MIL

L-L

6-3

225

8/1/98

Nick Basto

CWS

R-R

6-2

210

4/1/94

Corey Seager

LAD

L-R

6-4

215

4/27/94

Domingo Leyba

DET

B-R

5-11

160

9/11/95

Darnell Sweeney

LAD

S-R

6-1

180

2/1/91

Outfielders

Org

B-T

Ht.

Wt.

DOB

Dariel Alvarez

BAL

R-R

6-2

180

11/07/88

Daniel Fields

DET

L-R

6-2

215

1/23/91

Steven Moya

DET

L-R

6-6

230

9/8/91

Scott Schebler

LAD

L-R

6-1

208

10/6/90

Tyrone Taylor

MIL

R-R

6-0

185

1/22/94

*Denotes “taxi squad” member activated only on Wednesdays

Steven Moya (Photo by Mike Janes)

THE STARS: Dodgers SS Corey Seager had one of the best seasons of any minor league hitter in 2014; he could start seeing time at third in the AFL. White Sox SS Tim Anderson, a 2013 first-round pick, also is slated for time at short for the Desert Dogs. Tigers 2B Devon Travis, who’s been working out in the outfield, and sluggers Steven Moya (Tigers) and Scott Schebler (Dodgers) give the team plenty of Double-A experience and offensive potential.

INTERESTING: Rule 5 draft pick Wei-Chung Wang made the Brewers’ roster out of spring training and has pitched 17 big league innings before being sidelined by shoulder tightness. The lefty needs the development time after having jumped from the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League a year ago. Orioles RHP Mychal Givens continues his conversion from shortstop to pitcher; in his second full year after being converted, his low-90s fastball may merit 40-man roster protection.

REHABBING: White Sox RHP Francellis Montas, he of the 100 mph fastball and balky knees, should make a full slate of appearances if he’s healthy to make up for lost time. Brewers RHP Brooks Hall missed most of the season with an elbow injury, while White Sox RHP Chris Bassitt is bouncing back from a broken right hand that kept him out until mid-July.

MESA SOLAR SOX

Pitchers

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Zach Cates

CHC

R-R

6-3

200

12/17/89

Gerardo Concepcion

CHC

L-L

6-2

180

3/1/92

C.J. Edwards

CHC

R-R

6-2

155

9/3/91

Trevor Gott

LAA

R-R

6-0

190

8/26/92

Matt Grace

WSH

L-L

6-3

190

12/14/88

Drew Granier

OAK

R-R

6-1

190

11/24/88

Neil Holland

WSH

R-R

6-0

190

8/14/88

Austin House

OAK

R-R

6-4

200

1/24/91

Tanner Peters

OAK

R-R

6-0

155

8/6/90

Ivan Pineyro

CHC

R-R

6-1

200

9/29/91

Chris O’Grady

LAA

L-L

6-4

220

4/17/90

Felipe Rivero

WSH

L-L

6-2

195

7/5/91

Mark Sappington

LAA

R-R

6-5

210

11/17/90

Derek Self

WSH

R-R

6-3

205

1/14/90

Nate Smith

LAA

L-L

6-3

200

8/28/91

Ryan Doolittle

OAK

R-R

6-2

205

3/25/88

Robert Osuna

TOR

R-R

6-2

230

2/7/95

Drew Granier

TOR

R-R

6-1

190

11/24/88

Sean Nolin

TOR

L-L

6-4

230

12/26/89

Arik Sikula

TOR

R-R

6-0

200

12/21/88

Catchers

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Spencer Kieboom

WSH

R-R

6-0

220

3/16/91

Pedro Severino

WSH

R-R

6-1

180

7/20/93

Infielders

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Jon Berti

TOR

R-R

5-10

175

1/22/90

Kaleb Cowart

LAA

S-R

6-3

225

6/2/92

Matt Olson

OAK

L-R

6-4

236

3/29/94

Tony Renda

WSH

R-R

5-8

180

1/24/91

Daniel Robertson

OAK

R-R

6-0

190

3/22/94

Addison Russell

CHC

R-R

6-0

195

1/23/94

*Eric Stamets

LAA

R-R

6-0

190

9/25/91

Dan Vogelbach

CHC

L-R

6-0

250

12/17/92

Outfielders

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

*Jacob Hannemann

CHC

L-L

6-1

195

4/29/91

Chad Hinshaw

LAA

R-R

6-1

205

9/10/90

Dalton Pompey

TOR

S-R

6-1

170

12/11/92

Boog Powell

OAK

L-L

5-10

185

1/14/93

*Dwight Smith Jr.

TOR

L-R

5-11

180

10/26/92

Cal Towey

LAA

L-R

6-1

215

2/6/90

*Denotes “taxi squad” member activated only on Wednesdays

Addison Russell (Photo by Tony Farlow).

THE STARS: Cubs SS Addison Russell (No. 5 on the midseason Top 50) is one of the best prospects in the game. He’ll be adding some final polish as he gets ready to join the Cubs’ growing youth movement, and he’ll rejoin former Athletics organization teammates such as 1B Matt Olson and SS Daniel Robertson. Blue Jays breakout prospect Dalton Pompey highlights the group’s outfield and won’t turn 22 until December.

INTERESTING: Angels 3B Kaleb Cowart is in his protection year for the 40-man roster. The 2010 first-round pick has hit .223 the last two seasons (over 913 at-bats) at Double-A Arkansas, with 12 home runs and 217 strikeouts. The Angels have room on a soft 40-man roster to protect him, but he has not lived up to expectations. In better Angels news, RHP Dan Reynolds has bumped his velocity up to the upper 90s since a move to the bullpen, and has allowed only one home run in 62 innings this season. The Blue Jays have four pitching spots yet to be filled; they’re currently TBA.

REHABBING: Cubs RHP C.J. Edwards has returned in fine form in the second half after shoulder fatigue sidelined him in the first half. He’ll try to make up for lost innings. Athletics OF Boog Powell, who leads the minors in OBP, will play in the AFL after serving a 50-game suspension for testing positive for amphetamines.

PEORIA JAVELINAS

Pitchers

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Miguel Almonte

KC

R-R

6-2

180

4/4/93

Dylan Baker

CLE

R-R

6-2

215

4/6/92

Zach Cooper

TB

R-R

5-10

185

1/6/90

Brandon Cunniff

ATL

R-R

6-0

185

10/7/88

Ryne Harper

ATL

R-R

6-3

215

3/27/89

Mitch Harris

STL

R-R

6-4

215

11/7/85

Louis Head

CLE

R-R

6-1

180

4/23/90

Nate Hyatt

ATL

R-R

6-0

185

9/26/90

Tyrell Jenkins

STL

R-R

6-4

204

7/20/92

Matt Lollis

TB

R-R

6-9

250

9/11/90

Nick Maronde

CLE

R-R

6-4

220

9/4/90

Aaron Northcraft

ATL

R-R

6-4

230

5/28/90

Chris Perry

STL

L-R

6-2

215

7/15/90

Colton Reavis

TB

R-R

6-0

195

12/16/89

Jaime Schultz

TB

R-R

5-10

200

6/20/91

Sam Selman

KC

R-L

6-3

195

11/14/90

Samuel Tuivailala

STL

R-R

6-2

195

10/19/92

Ali Williams

KC

R-R

6-2

185

7/8/89

Kyle Zimmer

KC

R-R

6-3

215

9/13/91

Catchers

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Justin O’Conner

TB

R-R

6-0

190

3/31/92

Cody Stanley

STL

L-R

5-10

190

12/21/88

Tony Wolters

CLE

L-R

5-10

180

6/9/92

Infielders

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Francisco Lindor

CLE

B-R

5-11

175

11/14/93

Hunter Dozier

KC

R-R

6-4

220

8/22/91

Patrick Leonard

TB

R-R

6-4

225

10/20/92

Raul Mondesi

KC

S-R

6-1

165

7/27/95

Jacob Wilson

STL

R-R

5-11

195

7/29/90

Outfielders

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Kes Carter

TB

L-L

6-2

205

3/3/90

Edward Salcedo

ATL

R-R

6-3

210

7/30/91

Jordan Smith

CLE

L-R

6-4

205

7/5/90

Bubba Starling

KC

R-R

6-4

180

8/3/92

Charlie Tilson

STL

L-L

5-11

175

12/2/92

*Kyle Wren

ATL

L-L

5-10

175

4/23/91

* Denotes “taxi squad” member activated only on Wednesdays

Raul A. Mondesi (photo by Bill Mitchell)

THE STARS: Royals SS Raul A. Mondesi (No. 22 on the midseason Top 50) is two years younger than anyone else on the Javelinas’ roster, and he’s six years younger than teammate Cody Stanley. Royals RHP Miguel Almonte will try to build off a disappointing season in Wilmington. Rays C Justin O’Conner has a lot of work to do offensively, but opposing baserunners will stick close to their bags since he has one of the best arms in baseball. Royals 3B Hunter Dozier survived Wilmington quite well, but he’s slumped badly since jumping to Double-A.

INTERESTING: Indians C Tony Wolters has made a pretty smooth transition to working behind the plate. He’s thrown out 47 percent of basestealers this season. Royals OF Bubba Starling’s contact problems have kept him from tapping into his power, but the hitter-happy AFL parks should be a nice change of pace after a season at high Class A Wilmington. Braves OF Kyle Wren will play only occasionally as a taxi-squader, but he’s an intriguing leadoff prospect when he plays. Cardinals RHP Sam Tuivailala can blow hitters away with his fastball. He’s one of the best bets to touch triple digits on radar guns.

REHABBING: Cardinals RHP Tyrell Jenkins will be getting some needed innings as he continues to work his way back from shoulder surgery. Fellow Cardinals RHP Mitch Harris is catching up on innings for another reason. A 2008 draftee, he didn’t make his pro debut until 2012 because he was serving in the Navy after pitching and graduating from the Naval Academy.

SALT RIVER RAFTERS

Pitchers

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Jason Adam

MIN

R-R

6-4

225

8/4/91

Mark Appel

HOU

R-R

6-5

225

7/15/91

Archie Bradley

ARI

R-R

6-4

235

8/10/92

Enrique Burgos

ARI

R-R

6-4

200

11/23/90

Anthony DeSclafani

MIA

R-R

6-1

190

4/18/90

Kaleb Fleck

ARI

R-R

6-2

190

1/24/89

Raudel Lazo

MIA

L-L

5-9

165

4/12/89

Mitch Lambson

HOU

L-L

6-1

205

7/20/90

Zach Jones

MIN

R-R

6-1

185

12/4/90

Edgar Olmos

MIA

L-L

6-4

220

4/12/90

Tyson Perez

HOU

R-R

6-3

215

12/27/89

Reid Redman

MIA

R-R

6-0

180

11/22/88

Taylor Rogers

MIN

L-L

6-3

175

12/17/90

Jimmie Sherfy

ARI

R-R

6-0

175

12/27/91

Vincent Velasquez

HOU

S-R

6-3

203

6/7/92

Christian Bergman

COL

R-R

6-1

180

5/4/88

Eddie Butler

COL

B-R

6-2

180

4/13/91

Jayson Aquino

COL

L-L

6-1

180

11/22/92

Ken Roberts

COL

L-L

6-1

200

3/9/88

Jake Reed

MIN

R-R

6-2

190

9/29/92

Catchers

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Tyler Heineman

HOU

S-R

5-11

195

6/19/91

*Chris O’Dowd

COL

S-R

5-11

175

10/4/90

Peter O’Brien

ARI

R-R

6-3

215

7/15/90

Chad Wallach

MIA

R-R

6-3

210

11/4/91

Infielders

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Justin Bohn

MIA

R-R

6-0

180

11/2/92

Ryan Casteel

COL

R-R

5-11

205

6/6/91

Brandon Drury

ARI

R-R

6-2

190

8/21/92

Taylor Featherston

COL

R-R

6-1

185

10/8/89

Austin Nola

MIA

R-R

6-0

190

12/28/89

Rio Ruiz

HOU

L-R

6-2

215

5/22/94

*Joe Sclafani

HOU

S-R

5-11

190

4/22/90

Trevor Story

COL

R-R

6-1

175

11/15/92

Outfielders

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Andrew Aplin

HOU

L-L

6-0

205

3/21/91

Byron Buxton

MIN

R-R

6-2

190

12/18/93

Max Kepler

MIN

L-L

6-4

205

2/10/93

Eddie Rosario

MIN

L-R

6-1

180

9/28/91

Evan Marzilli

ARI

L-L

6-0

185

3/13/91

* Denotes “taxi squad” member activated only on Wednesdays

Mark Appel (Photo by Larry Goren).

THE STARS: Even on a team with Byron Buxton and Archie Bradley, Astros RHP Mark Appel might draw the most attention. The No. 1 pick in 2013 had a rocky time at high Class A Lancaster this season, then was promoted to Double-A Corpus Christi and threw a bullpen in front of the big league pitching coach at Minute Maid Park, moves that raised a few eyebrows. He’s been better at Double-A, but the Fall League will give him a chance to reassert himself and head into the offseason on a positive note.

INTERESTING: Diamondbacks RHP Enrique Burgos showed off a 99 mph fastball and 90 mph slider at the Carolina/California League all-star game this summer in Wilmington. New Diamondbacks C Pete O’Brien had 34 homers this season before being dealt from the Yankees to Arizona in the Martin Prado deal and getting hurt.

REHABBING: Buxton leads this class by a longshot. He entered the season as the top prospect in the game and held that title at midseason, but has dealt with a pair of wrist injuries and a season-ending concussion on a grisly collision in the outfield in his first game at Double-A. Diamondbacks RHP Archie Bradley, No. 12 on our midseason top 50, missed nearly two months with an elbow strain, and has walked 34 in 51 innings since coming back. Astros fireballing RHP Vince Velasquez sat for two months with a groin injury but has punched out 65 in 51 innings this season in the California League.

SCOTTSDALE SCORPIONS

Pitchers

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Clayton Blackburn

SF

L-R

6-2

260

1/6/93

Erik Cordier

SF

R-R

6-4

250

2/25/86

Caleb Cotham

NYY

R-R

6-3

215

11/6/87

Tyler Glasnow

PIT

L-R

6-7

195

8/23/93

*Tom Harlan

PIT

L-L

6-6

215

3/7/90

Julian Hilario

NYM

R-R

6-1

190

8/17/90

Nick Kingham

PIT

R-R

6-5

220

11/8/91

Dario Alvarez

NYM

L-L

6-1

170

1/17/89

Colton Murray

PHI

R-R

6-0

195

4/22/90

Nefi Ogando

PHI

R-R

6-2

185

6/3/89

Steven Okert

SF

L-L

6-3

210

7/9/91

Ryan O’Sullivan

PHI

R-R

6-2

190

9/5/90

Kyle Haynes

NYY

R-R

6-2

190

2/11/91

Joey Rodriguez

PIT

L-L

6-1

200

11/14/91

Adrian Sampson

PIT

R-R

6-3

200

10/7/91

Paul Sewald

NYM

R-R

6-2

190

5/26/90

Alex Smith

NYY

R-R

6-3

200

9/29/89

Ethan Stewart

PHI

L-L

6-7

235

1/19/91

Tyler Mizenko

SF

R-R

6-1

200

4/9/90

Rob Whalen

NYM

R-R

6-2

200

1/31/94

Adam Morgan

PHI

L-L

6-1

195

2/27/90

Catchers

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Elias Diaz

PIT

R-R

6-1

175

11/17/90

Logan Moore

PHI

L-R

6-3

190

8/22/90

Kyle Higashioka

NYY

R-R

6-0

200

4/20/90

Infielders

Org

B-T

Ht.

Wt.

DOB

Josh Bell

PIT

S-R

6-3

213

8/14/92

Greg Bird

NYY

L-R

6-3

215

11/9/92

Kelby Tomlinson

SF

R-R

6-2

180

6/16/90

Dan Gamache

PIT

L-R

5-11

190

11/20/90

Dante Bichette Jr.

NYY

R-R

6-1

215

9/26/92

Blake Miller

SF

R-R

6-3

195

4/25/90

Matt Reynolds

NYM

R-R

6-1

198

12/3/90

L.J. Mazzilli

NYM

R-R

6-1

190

9/6/90

Outfielders

Org

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Tyler Austin

NYY

R-R

6-1

220

9/6/91

Aaron Judge

NYY

R-R

6-7

230

4/26/92

Brandon Nimmo

NYM

L-R

6-3

205

3/27/93

Roman Quinn

PHI

S-R

5-10

170

5/14/93

Daniel Carbonell

SF

R-R

6-3

196

3/29/91

* Denotes “taxi squad” member activated only on Wednesdays

Josh Bell (Photo by Mike Janes).

THE STARS: OF Josh Bell, who checked in at No. 35 on our midseason prospect list, leads a pack of Pirates prospects. Pittsburgh also sends talented RHP Nick Kingham, No. 37 on the midseason list, who has worked to a 3.17 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A this season. OF Aaron Judge heads a pair of Yankees hitting stars, including slugging 1B Greg Bird. The Mets send OF Brandon Nimmo, who’s had a rough go at Double-A but ranked No. 48 on our Midseason top 50.

INTERESTING: Pirates C Elias Diaz won the Best Defensive Catcher award in the Eastern League and has held his own with the bat at two levels this season. The Phillies send power RHP Nefi Ogando, who can bring his heater into the upper 90s but lacks command. The Giants send OF Daniel Carbonell, the Cuban emigre whom they signed for $1 million this summer.

REHABBING: RHP Tyler Glasnow missed the first three weeks of the season with a stiff back but has been virtually untouchable since with just 67 hits allowed in 118 innings at high Class A Bradenton. Yankees reliever Branden Pinder, who was having an excellent rebound season and had found his wandering command before missing nearly two months with a groin injury. Phillies speedster Roman Quinn came back exceedingly quickly from a busted Achilles and is transitioning into the outfield now that J.P. Crawford is the organization’s shortstop of the future.

SURPRISE SAGUAROS

Pitchers

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Brandon Alger

SD

L-L

6-3

190

7/4/91

Matt Anderson

SEA

R-R

6-1

210

11/18/91

Lisalverto Bonilla

TEX

S-R

6-0

175

6/18/90

Matt Brazis

SEA

R-R

6-3

205

9/6/89

Keith Couch

BOS

L-R

6-2

210

11/5/89

Tayron Guerrero

SD

R-R

6-7

189

1/9/91

Justin Hancock

SD

R-R

6-4

185

10/28/90

Nick Howard

CIN

R-R

6-3

215

4/6/93

Cody Kendall

TEX

R-R

6-2

210

12/12/89

Ben Klimesh

CIN

R-R

6-4

220

5/14/90

Aaron Kurcz

BOS

R-R

6-0

175

8/8/90

Ryan Dennick

CIN

L-L

6-0

185

1/10/87

Josh McElwee

TEX

R-R

6-4

227

6/12/89

Robby Scott

BOS

S-L

6-3

220

8/29/89

Sam Wolff

TEX

R-R

6-1

190

4/14/91

Madison Younginer

BOS

R-R

6-4

195

11/3/90

Burch Smith

SD

R-R

6-4

215

4/12/90

Taijuan Walker

SEA

R-R

6-4

230

8/13/92

Catchers

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Patrick Cantwell

TEX

R-R

6-2

210

4/10/90

John Hicks

SEA

R-R

6-2

210

8/31/89

*Luke Maile

TB

R-R

6-3

220

2/6/91

Infielders

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Sean Coyle

BOS

R-R

5-8

175

1/17/92

Patrick Kivlehan

SEA

R-R

6-2

210

11/22/89

Deven Marrero

BOS

R-R

6-1

195

8/25/90

Seth Mejias-Brean

CIN

R-R

6-2

216

4/5/91

D.J. Peterson

SEA

R-R

6-1

190

12/31/91

Jace Peterson

SD

L-R

6-0

210

5/9/90

*Trea Turner

SD

R-R

6-1

175

6/30/93

Kyle Waldrop

CIN

L-L

6-2

216

11/26/91

*Juan Perez

CIN

—

—

—

—-

Outfielders

ORG

B-T

HT

WT

DOB

Hunter Renfroe

SD

R-R

6-1

200

1/28/92

Mallex Smith

SD

L-R

5-9

170

5/6/93

Nick Williams

TEX

L-L

6-3

195

9/8/93

Jesse Winker

CIN

L-L

6-3

210

8/17/93

Rusney Castillo

BOS

R-R

5-8

186

9/7/87

*Denotes “taxi squad” member activated only on Wednesdays

Trea Turner (Photo by Paul Gierhart)

THE STARS: Mariners 3B D.J. Peterson has hit 28 home runs this year, reinforcing his status as one of the best bats in the 2013 draft. Padres SS Trea Turner, a 2014 first-round pick, has already dominated low Class A with a .387/.457/.564 line. Padres OF Hunter Renfroe got off to a great start in the California League, but he struggled in his first exposure to Double-A. Reds RHP Nick Howard, a first-round pick in 2014, is one of the few pitchers to get the opportunity to pitch from February to October. He spent the spring as Virginia’s closer. He’s thrown just 62 innings between college and pro ball this year. Red Sox SS Deven Marrero’s skills are best appreciated in multi-game stints, but he’s an excellent defender with better than expected offensive production.

INTERESTING: Padres RHP Tayron Guerrero has had blow-you-away stuff for quite a while. But until this year, control difficulties have kept him from utilizing it. He’s improved his control this year and will touch 100 mph at his best, but the Arizona Fall League will be a big test for a pitcher with 13 innings above low Class A. The Padres must figure out whether to protect him on the 40-man roster this offseason.

REHABBING: Reds OF Jesse Winker is coming back from a hand injury that has sidelined him since mid-July.